Brush-Supported Solar Panel Washer to Reduce Hydraulic Damage Risk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar panel washing systems are inefficient due to the need for sophisticated hydraulic actuators, which can cause damage and are unstable, leading to reduced energy output from airborne particles on the solar cell surfaces, especially in regions with high dust levels.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight washer head assembly using lath brushes to distribute weight evenly across the solar panel surface, eliminating the need for heavy hydraulic actuators and ensuring safe and effective cleaning without damaging the panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If heavy hydraulic actuators and massive washing heads are used to clean solar panels, then the washing capability is improved, but the risk of damaging solar panels increases and system stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the weight parameter of the washing head from heavy to lightweight, and changes the support mechanism from hydraulic actuators to brush support. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by maintaining washing capability through brush rotation while eliminating the stability issues caused by heavy masses and hydraulic systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the hydraulic actuator system with a brush-based support system. The lightweight washing head is supported by rotating brushes that contact the solar panel surface, eliminating the need for complex hydraulic positioning mechanisms and proximity sensors while maintaining effective cleaning capability
2Measurement precision
If hydraulic actuators with proximity sensors are used to position washing heads, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex hydraulic actuator system with proximity sensors and control systems with a simple brush-supported mechanical system. The washing head position is automatically determined by brush contact with the panel surface, eliminating the need for sensors, actuators, and complex control algorithms while maintaining adequate positioning precision for effective cleaning
Solution Approach 2:
The washing head system uses the solar panel surface itself to determine positioning. The brushes naturally contact and follow the panel surface contours, providing automatic positioning without external sensors or control systems. The system serves itself by using the object being cleaned as the reference for positioning
3Productivity
If massive washing heads are used to dislodge dust, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the risk of toxic chemical leakage from panel damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mass parameter of the washing head from massive to lightweight, and changes the cleaning mechanism from impact-based to friction-based brush rotation. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining cleaning effectiveness through rotational friction while eliminating the impact forces that could crack panels and cause toxic chemical leakage
Solution Approach 2:
The brush material acts as a cushioning element between the washing head and the solar panel surface. The compliant brush bristles distribute contact forces and prevent concentrated loads that could cause panel cracking, providing beforehand protection against damage and toxic chemical leakage while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution allows for efficient cleaning of solar panels by distributing weight evenly, preventing damage and maintaining energy output while reducing dust-related energy losses, thereby increasing solar energy production.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of lath brushes (12) together extend, generally, the length of the washer head frame (13). The lath brushes are made up to include a plurality of bristles being of sufficient number to support the washer head frame against the surface of the solar panel without damage to the solar panel.
Implementation Method 2
The lath brushes are made up to include a plurality of bristles being of sufficient number to support the washer head frame against the surface of the solar panel
Implementation Method 3
The washer head frame (13) includes a washer frame cross member (15) having a swivel (31) mounted thereon. The swivel (31) is mounted below a center of gravity.
Implementation Method 4
The swivel (31) is mounted below a center of gravity
Implementation Method 5
a plurality of lath brushes (12) together extend, generally, the length of the washer head frame (13)
Implementation Method 6
The lath brushes are made up to include a plurality of bristles being of sufficient number to support the washer head frame against the surface of the solar panel
Data Source
AI summary
A method and washer head assembly for washing a surface of a solar panel, includes lowering a washer head frame onto a solar panel. The washer head frame includes a washer frame cross member having a swivel mounted thereon. The swivel is mounted below a center of gravity. The frame includes a top frame rail and a bottom frame rail. A plurality of lath brushes together extend, generally, the length of the washer head frame. The lath brushes are made up to include a plurality of bristles being of sufficient number to support the washer head frame against the surface of the solar panel without damage to the solar panel. The lightness of the frame and the resilience of the brush bristles assure that the washer head frame will not come into damaging contact with the solar panel.